Dozens gathered outside the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. They were there to demand attention from the Mexican government regarding thousands of women who disappeared every year. In the center of the protest, were people on a five-day hunger strike draped in vinyl posters with the faces and details of missing women. Leading the protest, was Karla Castañeda, mother of Cinthia Castañeda, a girl who disappeared six years ago.

According to the United Nation Women, between 1985 and 2010 there have been more than 36, 000 Femicide related murders and disappearances in Mexico. These non-medical related deaths surpass the number of deaths by disease for women in that country. Since 2008, there are still 3,000 women missing. Many of these cases come from Cuidad Juarez, “the capital of murdered women”. This is also known as Femicide, the killing of women because of their gender. The government has sat idly as women are killed daily.

Photo: Jessica Castellanos / El Nuevo Sol

Fellow protester, Barbara Martinez has been on a hunger strike for the past five days. She is a Mexican woman residing in Los Angeles fighting for women’s right.

“We are here to demand for the Mexican counsel to review Cinthia’s case,” said Martinez. “Were also here to support us in finding our girls.”

Protest leader Karla Castaneda was too weak, from not eating to speak. So she had another protester read her list of demands that included an adequate investigation, justice and equality for all the disappeared women.

“We are hurt women and daughters. March 8th was international women’s day. But frankly there is nothing to celebrate,” Castaneda’s letter said.

Some were so angry and yelled into the consulate building, trying to get any attention possible. Cruz Castillo was visibly upset and is fed up with the injustice.

“I am so tired of the Mexican government and the United States for supporting them,” said Castillo. But we are not going to stop.

Those who gathered around had tears in their eyes but are not giving up hope. Although some of the victims have been missing for years their families are not going to stop until justice is met.

Another protester who did not want to say her name, is there in support of Castaneda. “The Mexican government is responsible for this,” she said. “There is no human rights, there is too much Femicide that is not a responsible government We deserve something better and we have to fight for it.”

The Mexican Consulate did not respond to Castaneda or any of the protesters demands. The hungry strike will end tonight, at 6 in the evening.

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